Smithson man charged with trying to kill stepson

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A Westmoreland County man was arrested and jailed Sunday, charged with trying to kill his stepson.

State police at Belle Vernon said Ronald Roth, 49, of Smithton, was charged with one count of attempted criminal homicide. The victim was identified as Clinton Metz, 21, of Belle Vernon, Mr. Roth's stepson.

Police said the incident occurred in South Huntingdon shortly before 3 p.m. Saturday when Mr. Roth was shooting guns at a dumping site along with two other people. Police said Mr. Metz drove to the site, stopping his vehicle about 10 feet from where Mr. Roth was standing. At that point, Mr. Roth is accused of firing two shots, striking Mr. Metz's vehicle twice. One of the bullets nearly hit the back of Mr. Metz's head, according to a state police news release.

In addition to the attempted homicide charge, Mr. Roth is charged with aggravated assault, discharge of a firearm into an occupied structure, reckless endangerment and several other assault charges.

Mr. Roth was arrested at his home Sunday by state police with the assistance of the police special emergency response team.